Full question: If I apply for Social Security at FRA, can I get half of my wife’s Social Security and let mine grow? She is 6 years older. Hi there, Unfortunately no, you cannot claim a spousal benefit and later switch to your own retirement benefit. When you apply for benefits, the SSA looks at…

Hi there, I am assuming you are asking about switching from a survivor benefit (based on your deceased spouse’s earnings record), not a spousal benefit (based on your living spouse’s earnings record.) If your own retirement benefit is a greater amount than the survivor amount, you should contact your local SSA office to make this…

Full question: I am switching from Railroad Benefits to my Social Security benefit at age 70. I understand my check will still come from SSA. Will I see it the same date as before or could my first check be delayed by the transfer? Hi there, We researched this topic and recommend that you also…

Original question: Will I be forced to apply for my own SS retirement benefits when I become eligible even though I am receiving SS Spousal benefits at the time? Hi there, You can only collect the higher of the benefits you are eligible to receive when when you apply. So if you are currently collecting…

Full question: Martha, I am over 62 years old and divorced, we were married over 10 years. My ex-husband is still working he’s 68 years old. I’m still self-employed also, can I file for spousal benefits until I retire at 70 years old? Hi there! The short answer is that yes, it appears that you…

Full question: My wife will be able to start her minimal Social Security benefits January 2025. If she does so can she switch to spousal benefits when she reaches full retirement age? And will those spousal benefits remain 50 percent of my FRA benefits or be reduced because of her earlier start? Hi there, This…